Photo: Kaduna State University Suspends Lecturer Over Hate Speech

The Kaduna State University has suspended one of its senior
lecturers for posting a Facebook comment deemed as hate speech.

In December, John Danfulani stirred controversy by lashing
at supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, northern leaders,
and President Muhammadu Buhari. He also mocked the large number of
out-of-school children in the north.

Part of his Facebook post post said, “To them, APC is a
religious party. Northern leaders under the party are demigods and crusaders of
their ways of life. These people living in dusty villages of Sokoto, Kebbi,
Zamfara, Kano, Jigawa are quick in calling you ‘Arne or Kafiri’ (Meaning Pagan)
once you express your view on anything their God PMB and his brigade of small
Angels are doing. Attack the attacker, and lets the skies fall”.

Mr. Danfulani confirmed to Premium Times that he authored
the post, which was widely circulated among Kaduna residents.

He subsequently deleted his Facebook page. Mr. Danfulani is
believed to be currently out of the country.

After criticisms poured in, the university queried Mr.
Danfulani, calling his post “divisive, injurious and tantamount to hate
speech”.

In a query dated January 6, signed by the school registrar,
Talatu A Kuri, the university said the lecturer should explain why disciplinary
action should not be taken against him for a comment he posted on the social
media.

“The content of the publication you authored is divisive,
injurious to the University and tantamount to hate speech capable of inciting
particular group of students against staff and other students. This behaviour
is unbecoming of a lecturer who is supposed to mould students’ character and
impart learning,” the letter said.

In his response, Mr. John said he was not furnished with
details of his offence.

“It is a large world of dozens of platforms, most of which
are yet to be in full practice in Nigeria. I have pages that upload my opinions
on multifaceted local and international issues when my conscience and spirit
direct me to do so,” he wrote.

“Because of this, I do not know on which of the platforms
the piece that generated this query was hoisted because your query did not
contain such details.”

He added: “My wall, updates and writings in the social media
are all in my private capacity and not in my official capacity as a Lecturer
with the University”.

Not satisfied with his response, the school authority
suspended him from the university.